Page 407 - Puhipi

company of an older Chief, Paerata, an early convert to Christianity. They
were questioned at Houhora as to their motives for wanting to travel to this
most sacred place, and on their return were confronted by a large gathering
of tribes who were anxious that Puckey might be damaging the 'aka', the
ladder down to the sea, whereby spirits were understood to depart for
Hawaiiki .

A large hui sat to allow all opinions to be voiced, and at the end, Paerata
stood and spoke for 2–3 hours, explaining what he and Puckey had done and
discussed on their travels, and how the new Christian beliefs and philosophy
that Puckey was espousing were not a threat to the customary beliefs of
Māori.

A Man of Honour

Puckey lived his life as an honest, humane, and truthful man with
considerable integrity. He was a fluent Māori speaker, probably more of a
faithful artisan than a wordsmith. He was a layman throughout his missionary
service, being neither admitted to the diaconate nor ordained as a priest.

Death and legacy

William Gilbert Puckey died at Kaitaia on 27 March 1878, age 73, and was
buried at St Saviours Church, Kaitaia. His wife Matilda died on 15 July 1884
in Thames. Some prominent relatives of William Gilbert Puckey include his
son Edward Walter Puckey, who became a Māori Land Court judge.

William and Matilda's 11 children were

• Frederick James Puckey (1834-1834) died aged seven weeks, at Waimate.
• William George Puckey (1835-1918) m. Margaret Hunt in 1872. Six children.
• Edward Walter Puckey (1837-1924) m. Annie Russell in 1863. Two children.
• Mary Serena Puckey (1839-1927) m. Dr Thomas Trimnell in 1864. Two children.
• Margarita Jane Puckey (1844-1930) m. William Henry Blyth in 1866.
• Caroline Elizabeth Puckey (1842-1849) died from ear infection.
• Frederick Coleman Puckey (1847-1848)
• Charles Iselton Puckey (1848-1934) m. Doris Sophia Subritzky on 14 May 1873.
Nine children.
• Richard Henry Martyn Puckey (1852-1934 ) m. Alice Marion masters in 1883.
Seven children.
• Annie Matilda Sophia Marella Puckey (1855?-1932?) m. William Temple Williams in
1891. Four children.
• Albert Francis Puckey (1858-1936) m. Gertrude Robinson. No children.